ERIC Number: EJ1209349
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Content Analysis of Health Warning Labels for Indoor Tanning in the United States
Sypes, Emma E.; McWhirter, Jennifer E.
American Journal of Health Education, v50 n2 p80-87 2019
Background: State-level legislation regulates the posting of health warning labels (HWLs) in indoor tanning (IT) salons in the United States. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the content and appearance of state-level legislation-mandated IT HWLs. Methods: We conducted a directed content analysis of IT HWLs, evaluating location, health and aesthetic risk information, health communication theory constructs, and visual components. Results: Thirty-three states require IT HWLs: 30 states require one and 3 states require two. Text for 36 labels was analyzed: 94.4% (n = 34) mentioned skin cancer and eye risks, 91.7% (n = 33) mentioned aesthetic risk, and none mentioned death. One label suggested an ultraviolet (UV)-tanning alternative and none addressed barriers to reducing IT. Seventeen electronic labels were available for visual analysis: 5.9% (n = 1) contained a symbol and 11.8% (n = 2) contained an image. Discussion: IT HWLs are widely used and present basic risk information, yet their content and design may not be robustly informed by health communication best practices, theory, or research in the comparable field of tobacco HWLs. Translation to Health Education Practice: By understanding the current content and appearance of IT HWLs, we can substantiate the need for improvements to maximize their effectiveness as educational tools for deterring IT and reducing skin cancer risk.
Descriptors: Merchandise Information, Health Education, Safety Education, Cancer, Visual Impairments, Risk, Content Analysis, State Legislation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A